Viatorian Continues to Advance Interfaith Dialogue in Wake of 9/11

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, continues to be unwavering in his remembrance of 9/11: He works to foster interfaith dialogue and tolerance.

Fr. Corey Brost helps two teen members of the Children of Abraham Coalition plan a Peace Camp for younger children

“We can’t stop all the religious-based hate in the world, but we can do our part,” Fr. Corey says. “We can be people of peace in our corner of the world, especially on Sept. 11, a day that showed how deadly religious hate can be.”

Ten years after the 9/11 tragedies, Fr. Corey formed a coalition, that brought together suburban teens and adults of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths to learn about one another’s shared Abrahamic traditions.

They formed the Children of Abraham Coalition, that now includes adults and teens — of all faiths — on its board, but young people continue to drive its events.

One side of the room at the Potluck for Peace dinner

“People can be so different, but you don’t have to focus on that,” says Sarah McDermott, a senior at Saint Viator High School and current board member of the Children of Abraham Coalition. “It doesn’t take long to find out just how much you have in common.”

Just last week, the group hosted its signature event, the seventh annual Potluck for Peace dinner at Saint Viator High School. It’s always timed around the anniversary of 9/11, and this year’s event drew more than 200 people.

Guests heard from a Jewish rabbi and Muslim leader, while mixing at dinner with families from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Sikh faith traditions.

In this environment that we are experiencing, it’s so important to be a bridge of understanding,” said Rabbi Stephen Hart, “and to foster cooperation and mutual respect as we work to break down religious stereotypes.”